Growing up in Australia, Tim Tams were basically a food group in our house. We’d go through packets of them every week, dunking them in hot chocolate and trying not to let them fall apart. One Christmas, my aunt brought over these rum balls made from crushed Tim Tams, and I couldn’t believe I’d never thought of it before.
They’re pretty much the easiest treat you can make – no baking required. Just crush up some Tim Tams, mix them with a few simple ingredients, and roll them into balls. Perfect for when you want something sweet but can’t be bothered turning on the oven. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those Tim Tams that got a bit crushed at the bottom of the packet.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For the Tim Tam rum balls, crushed Tim Tams can be replaced with a mixture of crushed graham crackers and cocoa powder to achieve a similar chocolate-biscuit flavor and texture. Use 2 cups of crushed graham crackers mixed with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. The Nestle Coffee & Milk can be substituted with a combination of condensed milk and instant coffee granules, using 1 can of condensed milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee. This maintains the creamy, coffee-flavored element. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with apple juice or strong brewed coffee, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired consistency. In the trifle recipe, the jam sponge cakes can be swapped for angel food cake or pound cake, which offer similar textures and ability to absorb liquid. Use an equal amount of cake as called for in the original recipe. These substitutions accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the desserts’ core flavors and textures.
| Preparation Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3000-3500
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 450-500 g
Ingredients
- Rum ball ingredients:
- 2 packages of crushed tim tams
- 1 can of nestle coffee & milk
- Mixed dried fruit or glacé cherries
- Rum, as per preference
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- Additional coconut for coating
- Trifle ingredients:
- 2 jam sponge cakes
- Sherry or port for drizzling on the cakes
- 1 can of sliced peaches (in natural juice)
- 1 packet red jelly crystals
- 1 packet lime jelly crystals
- 2 liters of custard
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Step 1: Prepare the Tim Tam Mixture
Start by placing two packets of Tim Tams in a zip lock bag and crush them using a wooden rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs.
Transfer the crushed Tim Tams to a mixing bowl.
Open a tin of Nestle Coffee & Milk and add it to the biscuit mixture, stirring until well combined.
Step 2: Soak the Fruit and Combine Ingredients
In a small container, measure out mixed fruit or glacé cherries and soak them in rum, allowing the flavors to blend.
Add half a cup of coconut to the Tim Tam and Coffee & Milk mixture in the bowl.
Follow this by including the soaked fruit.
Mix everything thoroughly.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator for a short time to let the mixture firm up slightly, ensuring it doesn’t fully set.
Step 3: Form and Coat the Rum Balls
Once the mixture is ready, use a teaspoon to scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls with your hands.
Roll each ball in extra coconut to coat them evenly, enhancing both texture and flavor.
After coating, refrigerate the rum balls until you’re ready to serve them, allowing the flavors and textures to meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Jelly
The day before serving, prepare the jelly by making it to half strength according to the packet instructions.
Pour it into a suitable container and set it in the fridge, allowing it to firm up overnight.
Step 5: Assemble the Dessert with Jam Rolls
On the day of serving, slice the jam rolls and line the bottom and sides of a serving bowl.
For added flavor, sprinkle the jam rolls with sherry or port.
Arrange sliced peaches over the jam roll layer, spreading them out evenly.
Step 6: Add Custard and Jelly Squares
Pour custard over the peaches, distributing it evenly but ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the layers and become too soupy.
Take the prepared jelly from the fridge, cut it into squares, and carefully layer the jelly squares over the custard.
This will add a refreshing contrast to the creamy elements of your dessert.
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